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Munster gunning for Edinburgh

Written by Staff Reporter

Thursday, 01 November 2007

A week is a long time in rugby. Just seven days after guiding one of the worst teams in English history to a World Cup Final, England coach Brian Ashton came under a scathing attack from a number of his senior players. Claims of mismanagement, poor coaching techniques and a lack of leadership qualities were fired at Ashton from the unlikely sources of Lawrence Dallaglio and Mike Catt. While it was startling to read their outspoken views, especially given Ashton’s success with such limited resources, it was nonetheless refreshing to see that everyone must be held accountable for their actions. Since their demise in the recent World Cup, the lack of noise emanating from within the Irish team, as well as the IRFU, has been simply deafening. Over the years Dallaglio hasn’t been afraid to speak his mind and it has on occasion landed the Wasps captain in trouble. While condemning your national coach in public may be a little over the top, it’s interesting to note that even at this stage of his career second best is still not enough. Imagine the storm if England had failed to advance beyond the opening round of group matches.

This weekend’s round of Magners League action should see the full complement of international stars returning. Both Paul O’Connell and Ronan O’Gara have been included in the Munster squad for the game on Saturday night. Last weekend’s draw away to Glasgow has still kept the reds in the hunt for the title, however a string of good results will be needed in order to gain ground on the early pacesetters. Cardiff Blues currently lie on top of the pile and at present they are twelve points ahead of Munster, although they have played one game more. Edinburgh are the visitors to Musgrave Park this weekend and they arrive fresh off a disappointing draw away to Connacht last weekend.

Continuity has been the main thorn in Munster’s side over the past few months. Just twelve months ago Declan Kidney’s side were dominating opposition sides on a regular basis, both physically and territorially. Their ability to build and maintain phases, thanks to a high-intensity game plan, suffocated teams into submission. However, much like the malaise that has infected the Irish squad recently, the province have failed to stamp their mark on proceedings lately. Being beaten at home to Leicester last January, coupled with the demoralising defeat at the hands of Llanelli Scarlets in the European Cup quarter-final last March, appears to have dented the side’s confidence somewhat. This was especially evident during their last two Magners League games when unforced errors proved extremely costly at regular intervals.

This weekend’s game offers the coach the chance to build some momentum ahead of the crucial Heineken Cup opening fixture against Wasps on Saturday week. With a full deck to choose from, Kidney will no doubt look to field his strongest side possible. With the majority of the pack still suffering from a World Cup hangover, it’s imperative that they are given the chance to once again gel as a unit and dominate their opposite numbers.

If Munster are to enjoy success this season they need to regain some of their lost powers. Denis Leamy must return to his explosive best in attack as well as defence. David Wallace’s ability to break the gain line is crucial for his side’s success. The importance of go forward ball is indefinable and at his best, the Garryowen number seven ranks as one of the world’s best. Finally the line-out as a whole must once again become the side’s dominant force. The ability to secure their own set-piece, while simultaneously creating havoc on the opposition’s, has been the corner stone for Munster’s attack over the last five years.

This weekend offers the province an opportunity to fine-tune ahead of the European Cup. The reintroduction of Messrs O’Gara et al, coupled with the frustrating World Cup experience, should provide Munster with enough hunger to overpower this Edinburgh side. An impressive, hard-earned victory would be the ideal preparation before heading to the home of the European Champions seven days later.

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